Ukraine has claimed a significant naval victory in the Black Sea, stating that its forces have destroyed the Russian minesweeper ‘Kovrovets’. The incident has been celebrated by Ukrainian officials as “another bad day for the Black Sea fleet,” signalling an ongoing effort to erode Russia’s naval capabilities in the region.
The ‘Kovrovets’, a Project 266M Natya class minesweeper, played a crucial role in reconnaissance and mine-sweeping operations. This Soviet-era vessel, constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, was reportedly equipped to detect mines at depths of up to 150 meters and was armed with 30mm naval guns and a high-resolution Lynx radar system.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence conveyed its triumph on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter), praising the collective effort of the Ukrainian Navy and their comrades. The destruction of the ‘Kovrovets’ follows Ukraine’s previous successes in targeting Russian vessels, including the flagship Moskva earlier in the war.
The Ukrainian Navy’s statement on Telegram highlighted the importance of this strike: “The Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with their comrades, continue to bring us closer to victory.” According to reports, over a third of Russian ships stationed in the Black Sea prior to the conflict have been destroyed or disabled. This includes at least 17 vessels, a testament to Ukraine’s adaptive maritime tactics in the face of Russia’s numerical superiority.
In a move reflecting the heightened threat to its Black Sea assets, Russia has shifted much of its fleet from its traditional base in Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. This strategic port now shelters the most valuable elements of the Russian fleet. Satellite images from April had shown increased fortifications at Novorossiysk, which was nevertheless targeted by Ukrainian missiles and drones shortly after.
Russia’s response to these setbacks has included a change in leadership, with the commander of the Russian Navy replaced in March. The ongoing maritime conflict demonstrates Ukraine’s resolve to counter Russian operations in the Black Sea and to challenge the annexation of Crimea, vowed by Ukraine to be reversed.
Despite the considerable pressure Ukraine’s forces are facing on the eastern front, particularly near Kharkiv, there are signs of resilience. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently noted that the country is not experiencing a shortage of artillery shells, an indication of sustained defensive capabilities.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine destroys Russian Black Sea Fleet minesweeper Kovrovets , hromadske, 05/19/2024
– Ukraine Destroys Russian Minesweeper in Black Sea, Ministry Celebrates, Business Insider, 05/19/2024
– Ukraine Destroys Russian Black Sea ‘Kovrovets’ Minesweeper, Newsweek, 05/19/2024
– Ukraine says it destroyed Russian Black Sea Fleet’s minesweeper Kovrovets, Euromaidan Press, 05/19/2024
– Ukraine’s Navy says it destroyed Russian sea minesweeper Kovrovets overnight, Kyiv Independent, 05/19/2024
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